Like all menopausal women, women in premature menopause experience lowered estrogen levels as the ovaries stop most of their production of this hormone. Low levels of estrogen can lead to changes in women’s overall health and may increase their risk for certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis.

Estrogen can ease vaginal symptoms of menopause, such as dryness, itching, burning and discomfort with intercourse. Need to prevent bone loss or fractures. Systemic estrogen helps protect against the bone-thinning disease called osteoporosis.

There is no treatment that can reverse or prevent premature menopause. Hormone therapy and other treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms of premature menopause. Complications of premature menopause include infertility and an increased risk for osteoporosis.

“There are plusses and minuses to delaying menopause. While prolonged estrogen would delay heart disease and osteoporosis, delayed menopause is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer,” Cedars said. Still, many health experts are cautiously optimistic about the potential for the experimental procedure.

Estrogen side effects and risks The risk factors and side effects associated with estrogen use include: Blood clots: Estrogen increases your risk of blood clots, which can cause stroke, heart attack, and even death. Cancer: Estrogen may increase your risk of certain cancers, specifically breast cancer.

There’s no limit on how long you can take HRT, but talk to a GP about how long they recommend you take the treatment. Most women stop taking it once their menopausal symptoms pass, which is usually after a few years.

The decline of a woman’s natural hormones during menopause is associated with various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and trouble concentrating. Long-term effects can include bone loss, risk of fractures, and cardiovascular disease.

An increased risk of endometrial cancer (only if you still have your uterus and are not taking a progestin along with estrogen). Increased risk of blood clots and stroke. Increased chance of gallbladder/gallstone problems. Increased risk of dementia if hormone therapy is started after midlife.

Five years or less is usually the recommended duration of use for this combined treatment, but the length of time can be individualized for each woman. Women who have had their uterus removed can take estrogen alone.